Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades 50's Imperial sheath knife

Did anyone else grow up in the 50's using one of the Imperial sheath knives? I used to get one of these soon as I could earn the money during the summer from the time I was about 7 on. They took some extremely rough treatment and by the end of the summer the handles were usually broken and taped up.

A while back I decided that I needed another with better steel and handle material. I just got through with my version. It has a CPM 3V blade and micarta handle. I think this one should last me since I don't throw knives or make spears out of them any more. Well almost never anyway.

This is one of the originals and my version...

Yep I bought several of those when I was a kid.I remember the Imperial knife display box in the stores with the different knives.I think the prices started around $1.00 and I don't think any of them where over $2.00.The Bowie pattern like the one in the picture was one of my favorite ones to throw.I think I broke the tip on every one I owned.

That should make a great little utility/truck knife.

Yep, costs about a dollar. And it was worth every penny....

Around here it was the "Utica Sportsman" version put out by Utica cutlery company that was sold in every hardware, farm supply, general store and five and dime. As I recall they sold for 2.99 in the '70's. Utica also sold a knife/hatchet set in a combo sheath. I have one of those sets in like new condition in my collection. There were other companies that put out nearly identical knives, some with better steel and real jigged bone handles. I have one in my collection with a brown, jigged bone handle that's marked "Outdoor Sportsman". The only other markings on that one are "Tempered carbon steel" and "Made in USA".